2006 -2007
Site will be updated by Monday, 10/23/06
Wednesday, 9/20/06
1. An interesting day in Applied Science. In our attempt to isolate copper from copper carbonate, several approaches have been taken, several of which have worked. These include mixing and heating,
sugar and copper carbonate
baking soda and copper carbonate
charcoal and copper carbonate
charcoal, water, and copper carbonate
wood (in the form of small branches) and copper carbonate
Next class period we will try to determine how this may have happened in how to use this information to take the next step in this investigation.
Monday, 9/18/06
1. We will discuss the importance of making careful observations while doing science.
2. Several groups have noticed that a gas is produced when copper carbonate is heated. Mr. Chambers will demonstrate simple methods for testing for hydrogen, oxygen, and carbon dioxide gasses that you will then use in the lab.
Friday, 9/15/06
1. Copper carbonate powder has been heated but, so far all that has been produced in the test tube as a result is a black powdery substance. Several students had alternative ideas for extracting copper and these were tried. These include
Adding water to the copper carbonate powder before heating.
Adding wood pieces before heating. The idea here is to create conditions more like those that would have been found in a campfire.
Heating more slowly and at cooler temperatures.
Wednesday, 9/13/06 (odd)
1. The class continued with the copper carbonate investigation with several students working on the assignment, Turning Rock Into Metal.
Monday, 9/11/06 (odd)
1. The room safety tour was completed today and we began to look at our first area of investigation.
2. The Turning Rock Into Metal research students have done about how ancient people first smelted copper from its ore has led to everyone beginning work in the lab trying to recreate the conditions necessary to extract copper.
Friday, 9/8/06 (odd)
1. SAFETY. Before we start working in the lab, it is important that you all understand how to keep yourself and other people in the class from getting hurt, and how to deal with any dangerous situations that could come up in the lab environment. I have never had any students get seriously injured in the lab and want to keep it that way. Working through the safety training may not be the most interesting part of the course but, it is definitely important. I've listed below what we are doing today.
Wednesday, 9/06/06 (all)
A short introduction to the philosophy of the course was given by Mr. Chambers. A summary of this introduction can be found in the "Class Description" section of the Course syllabus.
You will need to print, read, and sign copies of both the Course syllabus. and the Safety contract and return them to Mr. Chambers on the date shown on the assignments table below.
|
Assignments |
Date assigned |
Date Due |
Answer Key |
|
Course syllabus. to be signed and returned |
9/06/06 |
9/13/06 |
N/A |
|
Safety contract to be signed and returned |
9/06/06 |
9/13/06 |
N/A |
9/06/06 Course syllabus.
9/06/06 Safety contract